Best Home Remedies For Lipoma

Introduction

A lipoma is a round or oval-shaped tissue mass that develops right under the skin. It composed of fat and moves easily when touched and rarely causes any discomfort. Lipomas can form in any body part, although the back, torso (trunk), arms, shoulders and neck are the most common parts. 

Lipomas are slow-growing, soft tissue tumours that are typically benign (non-cancerous). In some cases, they may be mistaken for liposarcomas, which are rare malignant tumours; however, liposarcomas usually present differently and require specialist evaluation². 

Most lipomas don’t require treatment unless symptomatic. If a lipoma bothers you, you can consult a doctor and get it operated on. 

What Causes Lipoma?

According to healthcare professionals, the exact cause of lipoma development remains unclear. However, they often have a genetic link, if a family member has a lipoma, your risk of developing one is higher. 

Several conditions are also known to be associated with the formation of multiple lipomas, such as: 

• Dercum’s disease: An uncommon disease that causes painful lipomas to form on the arms, legs and trunk. It is also known as Adipose Dolorosa or Anders’ syndrome³. 
• Gardner syndrome is a familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) condition that may produce lipomas and several other health issues. 
• Hereditary multiple lipomatosis: This condition, also known as numerous familial lipomatosis, is hereditary (passed down through families)¹. 
• Madelung’s disease: This ailment is especially common in males who drink excessive alcohol. Madelung’s disease, also known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis, may cause lipomas to form throughout the neck and shoulders¹. 

Symptoms of Lipoma

Lipomas are usually not painful, although they can be bothersome if they push against a nerve or form near a joint. Many patients with lipomas do not experience any symptoms. Lipomas are typically encapsulated and they do not disseminate to the surrounding tissues. 

• Painless: Most are painless, some may cause discomfort depending on size and location.  
• Round or oval-shaped: The rubbery fatty lumps are generally symmetrical. 
• Moveable: They are seen just under the skin or subcutaneous and slide when touched⁴. 
• Less than 2 inches in diameter: Lipomas can grow to be more than 6 inches broad in some situations¹.

Home Remedies for Lipoma

While scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of home treatments for lipomas is limited, some traditional practitioners believe that certain herbs and plant-based ingredients may offer benefits for managing the condition. Below is a list of popular natural remedies to consider but keep in mind that none of these can cure or prevent lipomas. 

1. Include a Diet Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

To support your body and reduce inflammation, include healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, in your meals. These essential fats are known to calm inflammation and promote overall wellness. At high enough levels, omega-3s help reduce inflammatory compounds in the body, such as cytokines and reactive oxygen species, which may play a role in fatty tissue growth. 

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include wild-caught salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. You can eat them directly or use their oils in cooking or homemade remedies. When used consistently, these nutrient-rich fats can support the body’s natural balance and may help reduce discomfort linked to lipomas⁵. 

2. Incorporate Blood Orange to Your Diet

Bioactive compounds found in Moro orange extract (found in blood orange) have demonstrated lipolytic effects, meaning they help break down fat cells. Studies⁶ suggest that these compounds, particularly anthocyanins like cyanidin-3-glucoside, may support the reduction of abdominal fat by enhancing fat metabolism and reducing the accumulation of fat in adipose tissue. This makes Moro orange extract a potential natural aid in managing localized fat deposits, including those seen in conditions like lipomas. 

3. Include Apple Cider Vinegar as a Detox Drink

Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, has been studied for its potential to reduce fat accumulation and support metabolism. Research⁷ on obese rats and mice suggests that acetic acid may help prevent fat buildup in the body. To gently support your system, consider a daily detox drink that includes apple cider vinegar along with natural ingredients like ginger and raw honey. This combination may aid in overall detoxification and offer subtle support in managing fatty growths like lipomas. 

3. Make Dietary Adjustments

Adjusting your diet may help support the body’s natural balance in individuals with lipomas. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which may help lower fat levels in the blood and reduce oxidative stress. Prioritise foods like berries, leafy greens, and carrots for their vibrant nutrient content^8,9. 

Focus on eating natural, minimally processed foods to reduce exposure to environmental toxins and synthetic additives. Lastly, reduce alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, as both can negatively impact overall health and potentially worsen fatty tissue imbalances. 

When to Seek Professional Help?

Consult a doctor if you notice a skin outgrowth, lump, or knot beneath your skin. It’s critical to get it checked and rule out any dangerous illnesses like liposarcoma (a type of cancer)².  

If you have a lipoma and experience any symptoms, such as acute discomfort, consult the doctor immediately. In case your lipoma is developing quickly (over weeks), feels firm or doesn’t move as readily when touched, you must seek medical attention. Your physician will physically examine the lipoma to determine the right treatment for it. 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Blood Clots

Conclusion

Lipomas are common and affect millions of individuals. While they can be bothersome or cosmetically unappealing, they rarely lead to serious health problems. Most lipomas don’t require treatment, but it’s important to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional. If a lipoma causes pain or shows rapid growth, be sure to consult your doctor. When removal is necessary, lipomas are typically taken out through minimally invasive surgical procedures. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Bhatted S, Verma P, Latika. Clinical management of lipoma with Triphala Kala Basti—A case study. J Indian Syst Med. 2020 Jul–Sep;8(3):225–9. doi:10.4103/JISM.JISM_68_20. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/jism/fulltext/2020/08030/clinical_management_of_lipoma_with_triphala_kala.9.aspx 
2. Yee EJ, Stewart CL, Clay MR, McCarter MM. Lipoma and Its Doppelganger. Surgical Clinics of North America [Internet]. 2022 Aug [cited 2025 Jun 3];102(4):637–56. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35952693/  
3. Kasta RK, Pradhan AK, Giri P, Sahoo PK. Ayurveda treatment of nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis through Ksharasutra: A case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2024 Nov-Dec;15(6):101031. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101031. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11696782/  
4. Marzyńska D, Żaba R, Lacka K. Lipomas: genetic basis of common skin lesions and their occurrence in rare diseases. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2023 Aug;40(4):481–6. doi: 10.5114/ada.2023.129529. PMID: 37692275; PMCID: PMC10485760. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10485760/
5. Calder PC. n−3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory diseases. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [Internet]. 2006 Jun 1 [cited 2025 Jun 3];83(6):1505S1519S. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/83/6/1505S/4633275  
6. Briskey D, Malfa GA, Rao A. Effectiveness of “Moro” Blood Orange Citrus sinensis Osbeck (Rutaceae) Standardized Extract on Weight Loss in Overweight but Otherwise Healthy Men and Women—A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients [Internet]. 2022 Jan 18 [cited 2025 Jun 3];14(3):427. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8838101/ 
7. Beh BK, Mohamad NE, Yeap SK, Ky H, Boo SY, Chua JYH, et al. Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of synthetic acetic acid vinegar and Nipa vinegar on high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. Scientific Reports [Internet]. 2017 Jul 27 [cited 2025 Jun 3];7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5532206/  
8. Shmerling RH. Apple cider vinegar for weight loss: Does it really work? Harv Health Blog Staying Healthy. Updated June 15, 2023 [Internet]. Boston (MA): Harvard Health Publishing; [cited 2025 Jun 9]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-diet-does-it-really-work-2018042513703
9. Batta AK. OBESITY AND BALANCED NUTRITION. 2016 Aug 12 [cited 2025 Jun 3];2016,(3 (4),):330–40. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314306858_OBESITY_AND_BALANCED_NUTRITION  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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